JP6934761B2 - Hot water supply system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a technique of a hot water supply system that heats hot water in a bathtub by a heat medium.

Conventionally, a technique of a hot water supply system for heating hot water in a bathtub by a heat medium has been known. For example, as described in Patent Document 1.

Patent Document 1 describes a hot water supply system including a hot water storage tank, a heating device for heating hot water in the hot water storage tank (specifically, a heat pump or the like), and a control device for operating the heating device during night time. Has been done. A hot water supply pipe is provided in the hot water storage tank, and hot water in the hot water storage tank is supplied to a bathtub or the like through the hot water supply pipe. The control device appropriately operates the heating device during the night time based on the predicted weather information of the next day and the predicted heat consumption of the hot water in the hot water storage tank the next day. As described above, by operating the heating device at night, there is an advantage that it is possible to heat using midnight electric power (cheap electric power).

However, in order to produce the entire amount of daily hot water supply demand only during the midnight hours, it is necessary to raise the hot water storage temperature in the hot water storage tank. When the hot water storage temperature is raised, the COP (coefficient of performance: Coefficient of Performance) decreases. Furthermore, since the difference between the hot water storage temperature and the outside air temperature becomes large, the hot water storage loss increases. Therefore, from the viewpoint of COP and hot water storage loss, it is desirable to efficiently operate the heating device day and night and keep the hot water storage temperature low.

However, when such low-temperature hot water is stored, even if the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub (bathtub temperature) is raised by chasing, etc., the difference between the hot water storage temperature and the bathtub temperature is small, so the bathtub temperature is set as the target temperature. There was a problem that it took a long time to raise the temperature.

Japanese Patent No. 5436114

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem to be solved is to provide a hot water supply system capable of shortening the time required to raise the bathtub temperature to the target temperature. ..

The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above, and next, the means for solving this problem will be described.

That is, in claim 1, a heat storage tank in which a heat medium is stored and a heat pump that heats the heat medium in the heat storage tank to raise the temperature of the heat medium in the upper part of the heat storage tank. By exchanging heat between the unit, the heat medium in the upper part of the heat storage tank, and the hot water in the bathtub, the hot water in the bathtub is heated to a target temperature. The control device includes a heat storage tank upper temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the heat storage tank upper part indicating the temperature of the heat medium in the upper part, and a control device for controlling the operation of the heat pump unit and the repelling means. A first determination process is performed to determine whether or not the value obtained by subtracting the target temperature from the upper temperature of the heat storage tank is less than the first threshold value, and in the first determination process, the target temperature is obtained from the upper temperature of the heat storage tank. When it is determined that the value obtained by subtracting is not less than the first threshold value, the repelling means is operated so as to perform the repelling operation without performing the reheating operation, and the heat storage is performed in the first determination process. When it is determined that the value obtained by subtracting the target temperature from the tank upper temperature is less than the first threshold value, the heat pump unit is operated so as to perform the boiling operation, and the repelling operation is performed. By operating the repelling means, it is determined in the first determination process that the value obtained by subtracting the target temperature from the upper temperature of the heat storage tank is less than the first threshold value and smaller than the first threshold value. When it is determined that the temperature is not less than the second threshold, the operation of the heat pump unit is controlled so that the upper temperature of the heat storage tank becomes the first temperature in the additional boiling operation, and the upper temperature of the heat storage tank is controlled in the first determination process. When it is determined that the value obtained by subtracting the target temperature from the target temperature is less than the second threshold value, the upper temperature of the heat storage tank becomes a second temperature higher than the first temperature in the additional boiling operation. It controls the operation of the heat pump unit .

In claim 2 , the heat medium is hot water, and the hot water means for performing the hot water operation for supplying the hot water in the heat storage tank to the bathtub and the bathtub temperature indicating the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub. The control device includes a bathtub temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the bathtub, and the control device performs a second determination process for determining whether or not the value obtained by subtracting the bathtub temperature from the target temperature exceeds the third threshold value. When it is determined in the second determination process that the value obtained by subtracting the bathtub temperature from the target temperature does not exceed the third threshold value, the repelling means is operated so as to perform the repelling operation, and the second. When it is determined in the determination process that the value obtained by subtracting the bathtub temperature from the target temperature exceeds the third threshold value, the repelling means and the repelling means so as to use the repelling operation and the hot water operation together. It operates the hot water means.

In claim 3 , the storage unit is provided for accumulating the history of the operation of the repelling means, and the control device sets the current time to a predetermined time determined based on the history of the operation of the repelling means. When this happens, the first determination process is performed.

In claim 4 , the control device includes a person detection unit that detects the presence of a person in the bathroom provided with the bathtub, and the control device detects the presence of a person in the bathroom. , The first determination process is performed.

As the effect of the present invention, the following effects are exhibited.

In claim 1, the time required to raise the bathtub temperature to the target temperature can be shortened. Further, in claim 1, energy saving can be achieved while shortening the time required to raise the bathtub temperature to the target temperature.

In claim 2 , the time required to raise the bathtub temperature to the target temperature can be shortened.

In claim 3 , the boiling operation can be automatically performed.

In claim 4 , the boiling operation can be automatically performed.

The schematic diagram which showed the overall structure of the hot water supply system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. A block diagram showing a configuration related to control of a hot water supply system. The figure which shows the control flow of boiling and chasing. The figure which shows the control flow of the boiling and the repelling which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The block diagram which showed the structure about the control of the hot water supply system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows the control flow of the addition and repulsion which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The hot water supply system 1 stores the heat generated by the heat pump and supplies the hot water boiled by using the heat. The hot water supply system 1 is appropriately provided in a house or other building or facility. The hot water supply system 1 mainly includes a bathtub 10, a hot water storage tank 20, a heat pump unit 30, a hot water supply mechanism 40, a repelling mechanism 50, and a control device 60.

The bathtub 10 is a bathtub for bathing hot water. The bathtub 10 is provided in the bathroom.

The hot water storage tank 20 stores heat through the heat medium stored inside. Specifically, the hot water storage tank 20 is filled with water (hot water) as a heat medium.

The heat pump unit 30 consumes electric power to generate (manufacture) heat. The heat pump unit 30 mainly includes a first pipe 31, a compressor 32, a heat exchanger 33, an expansion valve 34, an evaporator 35, a fan 36, a second pipe 37, and a pump 38.

The first pipe 31 forms a flow path for circulating the heat medium (refrigerant). The first pipe 31 is formed in an annular shape. The first pipe 31 is filled with a heat medium (refrigerant).

The compressor 32 consumes electric power to compress the heat medium flowing through the first pipe 31. The compressor 32 is arranged in the middle of the first pipe 31.

The heat exchanger 33 exchanges heat (heat energy) between fluids having different temperatures. The heat exchanger 33 is arranged in the middle of the first pipe 31. More specifically, the heat exchanger 33 is arranged on the downstream side of the compressor 32 in the distribution direction of the heat medium flowing through the first pipe 31.

The expansion valve 34 expands the heat medium flowing through the first pipe 31. The expansion valve 34 is arranged in the middle of the first pipe 31. More specifically, the expansion valve 34 is arranged on the downstream side of the heat exchanger 33 in the distribution direction of the heat medium flowing through the first pipe 31.

The evaporator 35 is a heat exchanger for evaporating the heat medium. The evaporator 35 is arranged in the middle of the first pipe 31. More specifically, the evaporator 35 is arranged on the downstream side of the expansion valve 34 in the distribution direction of the heat medium flowing through the first pipe 31.

The fan 36 is for sending wind (outside air) to the evaporator 35.

The second pipe 37 forms a flow path for water to circulate between the heat exchanger 33 and the hot water storage tank 20. One end of the second pipe 37 is connected to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 20. The middle part of the second pipe 37 is arranged so as to pass through the inside of the heat exchanger 33. The other end of the second pipe 37 is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 20.

The pump 38 circulates the water in the second pipe 37. The pump 38 is arranged in the middle of the second pipe 37. When the pump 38 is driven, the water in the second pipe 37 flows from one end (lower side of the hot water storage tank 20) of the second pipe 37 toward the other end (upper side of the hot water storage tank 20).

The heat pump unit 30 configured in this way can perform additional boiling operation. Specifically, in the heat pump unit 30, the heat medium compressed by the compressor 32 becomes a high-temperature gas. The high-temperature heat medium circulates in the heat exchanger 33 via the first pipe 31. The heat of the heat medium flowing through the heat exchanger 33 is transferred to the heat medium (water) flowing through the second pipe 37. As a result, the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the heat exchanger 33 is lowered, and the heat medium becomes a liquid. The heat medium in the first pipe 31 through which the heat exchanger 33 has passed expands in the expansion valve 34 to become a low-temperature liquid (or gas). The low-temperature heat medium that has passed through the expansion valve 34 receives heat from the outside air in the evaporator 35, evaporates, and becomes a gas again. The heat medium that receives heat from the outside air is supplied to the compressor 32 again.

Further, the water flowing through the second pipe 37 receives the heat generated by the heat pump unit 30 by passing through the heat exchanger 33, and the temperature rises. By returning the water whose temperature has risen in this way to the hot water storage tank 20, the heat obtained by the heat pump unit 30 can be collected in the hot water storage tank 20. By performing the additional boiling operation in this way, the temperature of the water (hot water) stored in the hot water storage tank 20 can be raised.

The hot water supply mechanism 40 supplies the water (hot water) stored in the hot water storage tank 20 to the bathtub 10. The hot water supply mechanism 40 mainly includes a water injection pipe 41, a hot water supply pipe 42, and a mixing pipe 43.

The water injection pipe 41 is a pipe that guides clean water to the hot water storage tank 20. One end of the water injection pipe 41 is connected to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 20.

The hot water supply pipe 42 is a pipe that takes out the water (hot water) stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 20 and supplies it to the bathtub 10. One end of the hot water supply pipe 42 is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 20. The other end of the hot water supply pipe 42 is connected to the bathtub 10.

The mixing pipe 43 is a pipe for mixing clean water with the water (hot water) flowing through the hot water supply pipe 42. One end of the mixing pipe 43 is connected to the middle part of the water injection pipe 41. The other end of the mixing pipe 43 is connected to the middle part of the hot water supply pipe 42.

In the hot water supply mechanism 40 configured in this way, a setting panel (not shown) for the user (bath person) to operate is installed in the bathroom provided with the bathtub 10. When the automatic hot water filling button provided on the setting panel is pressed, a pump (not shown) is driven, and hot water (high temperature water) taken out from the hot water storage tank 20 via the hot water supply pipe 42 is introduced to the hot water (high temperature water) via the mixing pipe 43. The clean water supplied is mixed. In this way, by appropriately mixing the hot water (high temperature water) from the hot water storage tank 20 and the clean water, water (hot water) having a temperature corresponding to the demand can be obtained. The water (hot water) mixed in this way is supplied to the bathtub 10 via the hot water supply pipe 42. In this case, the water (hot water) stored in the hot water storage tank 20 is taken out through the hot water supply pipe 42, and the clean water is supplied to the hot water storage tank 20 through the water injection pipe 41. In this way, the inside of the hot water storage tank 20 is always filled with water (hot water).

In addition, the hot water supply mechanism 40 can perform hot water operation. Specifically, the hot water (high temperature water) taken out from the hot water storage tank 20 via the hot water supply pipe 42 is appropriately mixed with the clean water supplied through the mixing pipe 43 to obtain a temperature (high temperature) according to the demand. It is possible to obtain water (hot water) at the temperature of the hot water. The water (hot water) mixed in this way is supplied to the bathtub 10 via the hot water supply pipe 42. In this way, hot water can be added to the bathtub 10. In this case, the water (hot water) stored in the hot water storage tank 20 is taken out through the hot water supply pipe 42, and the clean water is supplied to the hot water storage tank 20 through the water injection pipe 41, as in the case of hot water filling. In this way, the inside of the hot water storage tank 20 is always filled with water (hot water).

The repelling mechanism 50 repels water (hot water) in the bathtub 10. The repelling mechanism 50 includes a hot water storage tank side repelling pipe 51, a heat exchanger 52, and a bathtub side repelling pipe 53.

The hot water storage tank side repelling pipe 51 forms a flow path for circulating hot water in the hot water storage tank 20. One end of the hot water storage tank side repelling pipe 51 is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 20. The other end of the hot water storage tank side repelling pipe 51 is connected to the upper and lower half of the hot water storage tank 20.

The heat exchanger 52 exchanges heat (heat energy) between fluids having different temperatures. The heat exchanger 52 is arranged in the middle of the hot water storage tank side repelling pipe 51.

The bathtub-side repelling pipe 53 forms a flow path for circulating water (hot water) in the bathtub 10. One end of the bathtub side repelling pipe 53 is connected to the bathtub 10. The middle part of the bathtub side repelling pipe 53 is arranged so as to pass through the inside of the heat exchanger 52. The other end of the bathtub side drain pipe 53 is connected to the bathtub 10.

The setting panel installed in the bathroom is provided with a repelling button. When the eviction button is pressed, the eviction operation by the eviction mechanism 50 is performed. Specifically, a pump (not shown) of the repelling mechanism 50 is driven, and the hot water (high temperature water) in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 20 circulates inside the heat exchanger 52 via the repelling pipe 51 on the hot water storage tank side. Further, the water (hot water) in the bathtub 10 circulates inside the heat exchanger 52 via the bathtub side pumping pipe 53. The heat of the hot water (high temperature water) flowing through the hot water storage tank side drainage pipe 51 is transferred to the water (hot water) flowing through the bathtub side drainage pipe 53 by the heat exchanger 52. As a result, the water (hot water) flowing through the bathtub side repelling pipe 53 is warmed. By returning the hot water warmed in this way to the bathtub 10, the temperature of the water (hot water) in the bathtub 10 can be raised.

The control device 60 shown in FIG. 2 controls the operation of the hot water supply system 1. The control device 60 is mainly composed of an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, a storage device such as a RAM or ROM, an input / output device such as an I / O, and a display device such as a monitor. Various information, programs, and the like for controlling the operation of the hot water supply system 1 are stored in advance in the control device 60. The control device 60 is connected to an upper temperature sensor 61, a lower temperature sensor 62, a water entry temperature sensor 63, a flow rate sensor 64, and a bath temperature sensor 65.

The upper temperature sensor 61 detects the temperature of the water (high temperature water) stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 20. The upper temperature sensor 61 is arranged at the upper part in the hot water storage tank 20.

The lower temperature sensor 62 detects the temperature of the water (low temperature water) stored in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 20. The lower temperature sensor 62 is arranged at the lower part in the hot water storage tank 20.

The water entry temperature sensor 63 detects the temperature of water supplied from the lower part of the hot water storage tank 20 to the heat exchanger 33 of the heat pump unit 30 via the second pipe 37. The water entry temperature sensor 63 is arranged in the middle of the second pipe 37 (on the upstream side of the heat exchanger 33).

The flow rate sensor 64 detects the flow rate of water (hot water) flowing through the hot water supply pipe 42. The flow rate sensor 64 is arranged in the middle of the hot water supply pipe 42. More specifically, the flow rate sensor 64 is arranged on the downstream side of the connection portion between the hot water supply pipe 42 and the mixing pipe 43 in the distribution direction of the water (hot water) flowing through the hot water supply pipe 42.

The bathtub temperature sensor 65 detects the temperature of the water (hot water) flowing through the bathtub-side repelling pipe 53. The bathtub temperature sensor 65 is arranged in the middle of the bathtub side repelling pipe 53. As a result, the bathtub temperature sensor 65 detects the temperature of the water (hot water) drained from the bathtub 10.

Further, the control device 60 is connected to the heat pump unit 30 (compressor 32 or the like) and can control the operation of the heat pump unit 30. Specifically, the control device 60 can operate (operate) or stop the heat pump unit 30.

Further, the control device 60 controls the target value of the temperature of the water obtained by operating the heat pump unit 30 (specifically, the water heated by the heat exchanger 33 by flowing through the second pipe 37). be able to.

Further, the control device 60 is connected to the hot water supply mechanism 40 (such as a pump of the hot water supply mechanism 40) and can control the operation of the hot water supply mechanism 40. Specifically, the control device 60 can operate (operate) or stop the hot water supply mechanism 40.

Further, the control device 60 can control the amount of hot water to be added to the bathtub 10 (the amount of hot water to be added) and the amount of hot water to be added to the bathtub 10 (the amount of hot water to be added). The control is performed based on the detection result of the flow rate of the hot water flowing through the hot water supply pipe 42 by the flow rate sensor 64. The control device 60 stops the hot water supply to the bathtub 10 when the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 64 reaches the set amount of hot water.

Further, the control device 60 is connected to the repelling mechanism 50 (such as the pump of the repelling mechanism 50) and can control the operation of the repelling mechanism 50. Specifically, the control device 60 can operate (operate) or stop the repelling mechanism 50.

Next, the control related to the boiling operation and the repelling operation will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, the description will be made on the premise that the automatic hot water filling button has already been pressed and the hot water filling has been performed in the bathtub 10.

In step S10, the control device 60 determines whether or not the eviction button on the setting panel has been pressed. The control device 60 makes this determination based on whether or not a signal from the eviction button has been received. When the control device 60 determines that the eviction button has been pressed (“YES” in step S10), the control device 60 proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, when the control device 60 determines that the repelling button is not pressed (“NO” in step S10), the control device 60 returns the process to the first step.

In step S12, the control unit 60 detects the target temperature _{T 1.} The target temperature T ₁ indicates the bathtub temperature (the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 10) desired by the user. That is, the target temperature T ₁ is a temperature indicating to what temperature the user wants to heat the hot water in the bathtub 10 by chasing or the like. The target temperature T ₁ is set by operating the setting panel by the user. _{If the user does not set the target temperature T 1} , the target temperature T 1 is set to a predetermined value (for example, 40 ° C.). The control device 60 proceeds to step S14 after performing the process of step S12.

In step S14, the controller 60 detects the hot water storage tank upper temperature _{T 2.} The hot water storage tank upper temperature T ₂ indicates the temperature of the upper hot water in the hot water storage tank 20 (that is, the hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 20 to the hot water supply pipe 42). The control device 60 can detect the hot water storage tank upper temperature T _{2 via the upper temperature sensor 61.} The control device 60 proceeds to step S16 after performing the process of step S14.

In step S16, the control device 60 determines whether or not the value obtained by subtracting the target temperature T _{1 from the hot water tank upper temperature T 2} is less than a predetermined threshold value α 1, that is, [hot water tank upper temperature T ₂ -target temperature T _1]. It is determined whether or not it is <α1]. In this embodiment, the threshold value α1 is set to 15 ° C. When the control device 60 determines that the temperature is [hot water tank upper temperature T ₂ -target temperature T ₁ <α1] (“YES” in step S16), the control device 60 proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, when the control device 60 _{determines that the temperature is not [hot water tank upper temperature T 2} -target temperature T ₁ <α1] (“NO” in step S16), the process proceeds to step S24.

In the case of [hot water storage tank upper temperature T ₂ -target temperature T ₁ <α1] (“YES” in step S16), the current hot water storage tank upper temperature T ₂ is relatively low, so that the current hot water storage tank is present. when performing chase fired operating at the upper temperature T _2, shows that the bath temperature is time to reach the target temperature T ₁ is too long, or may not reach the target temperatures T _1. On the other hand, when it is not [hot water tank upper temperature T ₂ -target temperature T ₁ <α1] (“NO” in step S16), the current hot water tank upper temperature T ₂ is relatively high, and the current hot water tank upper temperature T It is shown that the _{bathtub temperature reaches the target temperature T 1} in a relatively short time when the chasing operation is performed in _2. In other words, the threshold value α1, the bath temperature is set in consideration of the time required to reach the target temperature T ₁ of the chase fired operation.

In step S18, in the control device 60, the value obtained by subtracting the target temperature T _{1 from the hot water tank upper temperature T 2} is less than the predetermined threshold value α2, that is, [hot water tank upper temperature T ₂ − target temperature T ₁ < α2] is determined. Here, the threshold value α2 is set to a value smaller than the threshold value α1 used in the determination in step S16. In this embodiment, the threshold α2 is set to 10 ° C. When the control device 60 determines that the temperature is not [hot water tank upper temperature T ₂ -target temperature T ₁ <α2] (“NO” in step S18), the control device 60 proceeds to step S20. On the other hand, when the control device 60 _{determines that the temperature is [hot water tank upper temperature T 2} -target temperature T ₁ <α2] (“YES” in step S18), the process proceeds to step S22.

In the case of [hot water storage tank upper temperature T ₂ -target temperature T ₁ <α2] (“YES” in step S18), it is assumed that the normal boiling operation of step S20, which will be described later, is performed and the chasing operation is performed. also shows that the bath temperature is time to reach the target temperature T ₁ is too long, or may not reach the target temperatures T _1. On the other hand, when it is not [hot water tank upper temperature T ₂ -target temperature T ₁ <α2] (“NO” in step S18), it is compared with the case where the chasing operation is performed together with the normal boiling operation in step S20 described later. It shows that the bathtub temperature reaches the target temperature T ₁ in a short time.

In step S20, the control device 60 controls the operation of the heat pump unit 30 so as to perform a normal boiling operation. Specifically, the control device 60 controls the operation of the heat pump unit 30 so that the hot water storage tank upper temperature T ₂ becomes the first temperature T _2a. The first temperature T _2a is set to, for example, 55 ° C. The control device 60 proceeds to step S24 after performing the process of step S20.

On the other hand, in step S22, the control device 60 controls the operation of the heat pump unit 30 so as to perform the high temperature boiling operation. Specifically, the control device 60 controls the operation of the heat pump unit 30 so that the hot water storage tank upper temperature T ₂ becomes the second temperature T _2b. Here, the second temperature T _2b is set to a temperature higher than the first temperature T _2a. The second temperature T _2b is set to, for example, 65 ° C. The control device 60 proceeds to step S24 after performing the process of step S22.

In this way, when the temperature difference between the hot water storage tank upper temperature T ₂ and the target temperature T ₁ is relatively small (the hot water storage tank upper temperature T ₂ − target temperature T ₁ <α 1), the additional boiling operation is performed. The upper temperature T _{2 of the} hot water storage tank can be raised, and thus the _{time required for the bath temperature to reach the target temperature T 1} by the chasing operation (target temperature arrival time) can be shortened. Further, when the temperature difference between the hot water storage tank upper temperature T ₂ and the target temperature T ₁ is very small (hot water storage tank upper temperature T ₂ − target temperature T ₁ <α 2), the hot water storage tank upper temperature T _{2 is set} to a high temperature ( By setting the temperature to 65 ° C.), the time to reach the target temperature due to the chasing operation can be shortened. Further, the return hot water of the hot water storage tank 20 used for the repelling operation (hot water returning from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 20 to the middle part of the hot water storage tank 20 via the hot water storage tank side repelling pipe 51) may be made relatively high temperature. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the _{upper temperature T 2 of the} hot water storage tank from being significantly lowered by stirring with the return hot water.

In step S24, the control unit 60 detects the current bath temperature _{T 3.} The current bathtub temperature T ₃ indicates the current temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 10. The controller 60 performs the operation fumbling for sensing current bath temperature T _3.

Specifically, the control device 60 drives a pump (not shown) to circulate (circulate) the hot water in the bathtub 10 to the bathtub side repelling pipe 53. Then, the control unit 60, by detecting the temperature of the water (hot water) that circulates in the fired pipe 53 follow tub side by bath temperature sensor 65 can detect the current bath temperature T _3. The water (hot water) that circulates in the bathtub-side scavenging pipe 53 circulates in the bathtub-side scavenging pipe 53 as it is and is returned to the bathtub 10. Also, the search operation, since it is the purpose of detecting the current bath temperature T _3, are carried out in a very short time. The control device 60 proceeds to step S26 after performing the process of step S24.

In step S26, the control device 60 determines whether the value obtained by subtracting the current bathtub temperature T _{3 from the target temperature T 1} exceeds a predetermined threshold value β, that is, [target temperature T ₁ − current bathtub temperature T ₃ > β]. It is determined whether or not it is. In this embodiment, the threshold β is set to 5 ° C. When the control device 60 determines that it is not [target temperature T ₁ -current bathtub temperature T ₃ > β] (“NO” in step S26), the control device 60 proceeds to step S28. On the other hand, when the control device 60 determines that [target temperature T ₁ -current bathtub temperature T ₃ > β] (“YES” in step S26), the process proceeds to step S30.

In the case of [target temperature T ₁ -current bathtub temperature T ₃ > β] (“YES” in step S26), it takes time for the _{bathtub temperature to reach the target temperature T 1 only by the chasing operation.} It shows that it is too much. _{This is because the temperature T 2 at the} upper part of the hot water storage tank is remarkably lowered by stirring with the return hot water only in the chasing operation (when the hot water is not used in combination). On the other hand, _{when it is not [target temperature T 1} -current bathtub temperature T ₃ > β] (“NO” in step S26), it is a relatively short time even in the case of only the chasing operation (when the hot water is not used together). in it indicates that bath temperature reaches the target temperature T _1.

In step S28, the control device 60 controls the operation of the eviction mechanism 50 so as to perform the eviction operation. The controller 60, as bath temperature reaches the target temperature T _1, performing the fired operation follow through the chase fired mechanism 50. When the process of step S28 is completed, the control shown in FIG. 3 ends.

On the other hand, in step S30, the control device 60 controls the operation of the hot water supply mechanism 40 and the repelling mechanism 50 so as to perform the repelling operation in combination with the hot water. The controller 60, as bath temperature reaches the target temperature T _1, performing the hot water operation fired operation and plus follow through the chase fired mechanism 50 and hot water supply mechanism 40. Specifically, the control unit 60 performs a first hot water operation Tashi and the hot water supply mechanism 40 is operated, when the bath temperature in the hot water operation plus did not reach the target temperature T _1, the chase fired mechanism 50 It is operated performing fired operation follow up bath temperature reaches the target temperature T ₁ of in. When the process of step S30 is completed, the control shown in FIG. 3 ends.

Incidentally, when the bath temperature reaches the target temperature T ₁ of the the process of step S28 or S30, the control unit 60, even without reheating operation (step S20 or S22) is completed, and terminates the reheating operation ..

In the hot water supply system 1 according to the present embodiment configured as described above, since the boiling operation is performed as necessary during the chasing operation, the hot water storage tank 20 is compared with the case where the boiling is performed by midnight electricity. It is possible to lower the hot water storage temperature (low temperature hot water storage). As a result, COP can be improved and a decrease in hot water storage loss can be suppressed.

Further, since the temperature difference between the hot water storage tank upper temperature T ₂ and the target temperature T ₁ is determined and the boiling operation is performed when the temperature difference is small, the bathtub temperature raising time can be shortened.

If the temperature difference between the hot water storage tank upper temperature T ₂ and the target temperature T ₁ is very small (for example, to the _{extent that the bath temperature cannot reach the target temperature T 1} ), high-temperature boiling is performed. _{Since the temperature T 2} at the top of the hot water storage tank is raised, the time for raising the temperature of the bath can be shortened. Further, since the temperature of the hot water returned to the hot water storage tank 20 can be raised, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the temperature of the upper part of the hot water storage tank due to stirring with the hot water storage tank 20. In addition, since high-temperature heating is performed only when necessary (normally, high-temperature heating is not performed when the heating operation is sufficient), energy saving can be achieved.

Further, when the temperature difference between the target temperature T ₁ and the current bathtub temperature T ₃ is large, the hot water return to the hot water storage tank 20 can be reduced because the hot water operation is used together with the repelling operation. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the _{temperature T 2 at} the top of the hot water storage tank due to agitation between the hot water at the top of the hot water storage tank 20 and the return hot water. Therefore, the time for raising the bath temperature can be shortened.

As described above, in the hot water supply system 1 according to the present embodiment, the hot water storage tank 20 (heat storage tank) in which the heat medium is stored inside and the upper part of the hot water storage tank 20 by heating the heat medium in the hot water storage tank 20. By exchanging heat between the heat pump unit 30 that performs a heating operation to raise the temperature of the heat medium and the heat medium in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 20 and the hot water in the tub 10, the hot water in the tub 10 is set to the target temperature. The repelling mechanism 50 (removing means) that performs a repelling operation that raises the temperature to _{T 1 and the hot water storage tank upper temperature T 2} (heat storage tank upper temperature) that indicates the temperature of the upper heat medium in the hot water storage tank 20 are detected. An upper temperature sensor 61 (heat storage tank upper temperature detecting means) and a control device 60 for controlling the operation of the heat pump unit 30 and the repelling mechanism 50 are provided, and the control device 60 comprises the hot water storage tank upper temperature. The first determination process for determining whether or not the value obtained by subtracting the target temperature T ₁ from T ₂ is less than the first threshold value α1 is performed, and in the first determination process, the target from the _{hot water tank upper temperature T 2} When it is determined that the value obtained by subtracting the temperature T ₁ is not less than the first threshold value α1, the repelling mechanism 50 is operated so as to perform the repelling operation without performing the reheating operation, and the first determination is performed. When it is determined in the process that the value obtained by subtracting the target temperature T _{1 from the hot water storage tank upper temperature T 2} is less than the first threshold value α 1, the heat pump unit 30 is operated so as to perform the boiling operation. , The repelling mechanism 50 is operated so as to perform the repelling operation.
With this configuration, the time required to raise the bathtub temperature to the target temperature T _{1 can be shortened.}

Further, the control device 60 determines that the value obtained by subtracting the target temperature T _{1 from the hot water storage tank upper temperature T 2} in the first determination process is less than the first threshold value α 1, and the first determination process. When it is determined that the temperature is not less than the second threshold value α2, which is smaller than the threshold value α1, the operation of the heat pump unit 30 is controlled so that the _{hot water storage tank upper temperature T 2} becomes the first temperature T _{2a in the additional boiling operation.} Then, when it is determined in the first determination process that the value obtained by subtracting the target temperature T _{1 from the hot water storage tank upper temperature T 2} is less than the second threshold value α 2, in the boiling operation, the hot water storage tank upper portion is used. and controls the operation of the heat pump unit 30 as temperature T ₂ is higher than said first temperature T _2a second temperature T _2b.
With such a configuration, while reducing the time required to raise the bath temperature to the target temperature T _1, it is possible to achieve energy saving.

Further, the heat medium is hot water, and the temperature of the hot water supply mechanism 40 (hot water means) for supplying the hot water in the hot water storage tank 20 to the bathtub 10 and the hot water in the bathtub 10. The control device 60 includes a bathtub temperature sensor 65 (bathtub temperature detecting means) for detecting the current bathtub temperature T ₃ (bathtub temperature), and the control device 60 subtracts the current bathtub temperature T _{3 from the target temperature T 1.} A second determination process for determining whether or not the value exceeds the third threshold β is performed, and in the second determination process, the value obtained by subtracting the current bathtub temperature T _{3 from the target temperature T 1 is the third value.} When it is determined that the threshold value β is not exceeded, the repelling mechanism 50 is operated so as to perform the repelling operation, and the value obtained by subtracting the current bathtub temperature T _{3 from the target temperature T 1 in the second determination process.} When it is determined that the value exceeds the third threshold value β, the repelling mechanism 50 and the hot water supply mechanism 40 are operated so as to use the repelling operation and the hot water operation in combination.
With this configuration, the time required to raise the bathtub temperature to the target temperature T _{1 can be shortened.}

The hot water storage tank 20 according to this embodiment is an embodiment of the heat storage tank.
Further, the hot water supply mechanism 40 according to the present embodiment is an embodiment of the hot water means.
Further, the repelling mechanism 50 according to the present embodiment is an embodiment of the repelling means.
Further, the upper temperature sensor 61 according to the present embodiment is an embodiment of the heat storage tank upper temperature detecting means.
Further, the bathtub temperature sensor 65 according to the present embodiment is an embodiment of the bathtub temperature detecting means.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

For example, in the present embodiment, the determination as to whether or not to perform the additional boiling operation is performed with the pressing of the repelling button as an opportunity, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any information is used as an opportunity. It may be done. In the following, an example will be described in which it is determined whether or not to perform the additional operation triggered by information other than pressing the repelling button.

Next, the hot water supply system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the second embodiment, the control device 60 stores the operation history of the repelling mechanism 50 in the storage device of the control device 60. The control device 60 accumulates a history such as the start time of the chasing operation.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the control related to the boiling operation and the repelling operation according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In step S11a, the control device 60 determines whether or not the current time has increased to the start time. Here, the "additional boiling start time" is the time when the additional boiling operation is started, and is determined based on the operation history of the repelling means accumulated in the control device 60. Specifically, the control device 60 calculates the time (prediction start time) at which the repelling operation is predicted to start (perform) from the history of the operation of the repelling means. Then, the control device 60 sets the boiling start time at the prediction start time or a time slightly before the prediction start time. When the control device 60 determines that the current time has increased to the start time (“YES” in step S11a), the control device 60 proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, when the control device 60 determines that the current time has not reached the start time (“NO” in step S11a), the process returns to the first step.

The processing of steps S12 to S22 is the same as the processing of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and thus the description thereof will be omitted. The control device 60 proceeds to step S23 after performing the process of step S20. Further, the control device 60 shifts to step S23 after performing the process of step S22.

In step S23, the control device 60 determines whether or not the eviction button on the setting panel has been pressed. The control device 60 makes this determination based on whether or not a signal from the eviction button has been received. When the control device 60 determines that the eviction button has been pressed (“YES” in step S23), the control device 60 proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, when the control device 60 determines that the repelling button has not been pressed (“NO” in step S23), the control device 60 returns the process to the step S23 again (the process cannot proceed).

Since the processing of steps S24 to S30 is the same as the processing of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, in the hot water supply system 1 according to the second embodiment, the boiling operation can be automatically performed according to the time when the chasing operation is predicted to start. Therefore, it is possible to raise the _{temperature T 2} of the upper part of the hot water storage tank by performing the boiling operation before the reheating operation. The time (time to reach the target temperature) can be further shortened.

As described above, the hot water supply system 1 according to the second embodiment includes a storage unit (control device 60) for accumulating the operation history of the repelling mechanism 50, and the control device 60 has the current time as the additional. The first determination process is performed when the boiling start time (predetermined time) determined based on the operation history of the Idaki mechanism 50 is reached.
With this configuration, the boiling operation can be automatically performed.

Although the second embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

For example, in the second embodiment, the eviction operation is performed when the eviction button is pressed, but even if the eviction button is not pressed, it is automatically triggered by the start time of boiling. It may be used to drive away from the vehicle.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the outline of the configuration relating to the control of the hot water supply system 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a motion sensor 66. Therefore, in the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

The motion sensor 66 detects the presence of a person in the bathroom. The motion sensor 66 is installed at an appropriate place in the bathroom. The motion sensor 66 is connected to the control device 60.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the control related to the boiling operation and the repelling operation according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In step S11b, the control device 60 determines whether or not a person is present in the bathroom. The control device 60 makes this determination based on the detection result of the motion sensor 66. When the control device 60 determines that a person is present in the bathroom (“YES” in step S11b), the control device 60 proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, when the control device 60 determines that there is no person in the bathroom (“NO” in step S11b), the control device 60 returns the process to the first step.

The processing of steps S12 to S30 is the same as the processing of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, in the hot water supply system 1 according to the third embodiment, when the presence of a person in the bathroom is detected, the hot water supply operation can be automatically performed. Therefore, it is possible to raise the _{temperature T 2} of the upper part of the hot water storage tank by performing the boiling operation before the reheating operation. The time (time to reach the target temperature) can be further shortened.

As described above, the hot water supply system 1 according to the third embodiment includes a motion sensor 66 (human detection unit) for detecting the presence of a person in the bathroom provided with the bathtub 10, and the control device 60 includes a motion sensor 66 (human detection unit). When the motion sensor 66 detects the presence of a person in the bathroom, the first determination process is performed.
With this configuration, the boiling operation can be automatically performed.

Although the third embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

For example, in the third embodiment, the eviction operation is performed when the eviction button is pressed, but even if the eviction button is not pressed, the detection of the presence of a person in the bathroom is automatically triggered. It may be a drive-out operation.

Further, the first to third embodiments can be implemented at the same time. That is, pressing the repelling button (step S10 shown in FIG. 3), detecting that the boiling start time has come (step S11a shown in FIG. 4), and detecting the presence of a person in the bathroom (step shown in FIG. 6). All of S11b) can also be used as an opportunity to start the boiling operation.

1 Hot water supply system 10 Bathtub 20 Hot water storage tank 30 Heat pump unit 40 Hot water supply mechanism 50 Repelling mechanism 60 Control device 61 Upper temperature sensor 65 Bathtub temperature sensor 66 Human sensor

Claims (4)

A heat storage tank in which a heat medium is stored inside,
A heat pump unit that heats the heat medium in the heat storage tank to raise the temperature of the upper heat medium in the heat storage tank, and a heat pump unit that performs an additional boiling operation.
By exchanging heat between the heat medium in the upper part of the heat storage tank and the hot water in the bathtub, the hot water in the bathtub is heated to a target temperature.
A heat storage tank upper temperature detecting means for detecting the heat storage tank upper temperature indicating the temperature of the upper heat medium in the heat storage tank, and a heat storage tank upper temperature detecting means.
A control device that controls the operation of the heat pump unit and the repelling means, and
Equipped with
The control device is
A first determination process is performed to determine whether or not the value obtained by subtracting the target temperature from the upper temperature of the heat storage tank is less than the first threshold value.
If the value obtained by subtracting the target temperature from the heat storage tank top temperature in the first determination process is determined not to be smaller than the first threshold value, without performing the additional boiling operation, so as to perform the follow-fired operation the Operate the repulsion means,
When it is determined in the first determination process that the value obtained by subtracting the target temperature from the upper temperature of the heat storage tank is less than the first threshold value, the heat pump unit is operated so as to perform the additional boiling operation, and the heat pump unit is operated. Operate the repulsion means so as to perform repulsion operation ,
In the first determination process, it is determined that the value obtained by subtracting the target temperature from the upper temperature of the heat storage tank is less than the first threshold value and not less than the second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value. If this is the case, the operation of the heat pump unit is controlled so that the upper temperature of the heat storage tank becomes the first temperature in the additional boiling operation.
When it is determined in the first determination process that the value obtained by subtracting the target temperature from the heat storage tank upper temperature is less than the second threshold value, the heat storage tank upper temperature is the first temperature in the boiling operation. Control the operation of the heat pump unit so that it has a higher second temperature.
Hot water supply system. The heat medium is hot water,
A hot water means for performing a hot water operation for supplying hot water in the heat storage tank to the bathtub, and
A bathtub temperature detecting means for detecting a bathtub temperature indicating the temperature of hot water in the bathtub, and a bathtub temperature detecting means.
Equipped with
The control device is
A second determination process is performed to determine whether or not the value obtained by subtracting the bathtub temperature from the target temperature exceeds the third threshold value.
When it is determined in the second determination process that the value obtained by subtracting the bathtub temperature from the target temperature does not exceed the third threshold value, the repelling means is operated so as to perform the repelling operation.
When it is determined in the second determination process that the value obtained by subtracting the bathtub temperature from the target temperature exceeds the third threshold value, the repelling operation and the hot water operation are used in combination. To operate the means and the hot water means,
The hot water supply system according to claim 1. A storage unit for accumulating the operation history of the repelling means is provided.
The control device is
When the current time reaches a predetermined time determined based on the history of the operation of the repelling means, the first determination process is performed.
The hot water supply system according to claim 1 or 2. A person detection unit for detecting the presence of a person in the bathroom provided with the bathtub is provided.
The control device is
When the person detection unit detects the presence of a person in the bathroom, the first determination process is performed.
The hot water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images